VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Position title: National Director-Botswana
Working location: Gaborone, Botswana
Direct Supervisor: Chairperson of National Board of Directors
Region: Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF)
Context of the Organisation
Established in 1949, SOS Children's Villages International (CVI) is a dynamic, international social development organization working globally to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children without parental care and those who are at the risk of losing it.
The Eastern and Southern Africa (ESAF) region of SOS CV International is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It also has a branch office in Nairobi. It has member associations (MA’s) in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Djibouti, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia/Somaliland, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
SOS Children’s Villages Botswana is a leading Non-Government Organization in the childcare sector, caring for children without adequate parental care as well as others who are in situations of vulnerability. We are helping over 1,800 young people and many families under our residential and non-residential programme.
We are searching for a vibrant, thorough, energetic and experienced candidate to ensure the effective overall direction, operational management and performance of SOS Children’s Villages Botswana, able to develop and execute core programmes and financial strategies that lead to the sustainability of the organization. The National Director will lead and develop SOS Children’s Villages Botswana with the support from leadership (Board and Management), to ensure effective delivery of programmes and services to children, families and communities within the frame of SOS CV Botswana’s vision, mission and values.
By joining us, you will enjoy competitive remuneration; work with a diverse and motivated team and enjoy a conducive work environment.
Purpose of the position:
- Lead the development and execution of SOS Children’s Villages Botswana national strategy, ensuring alignment with the federation’s organizational standards, policies and childcare quality principles (SOS Children's Village model, local regulations).
- Oversee all programmes for operational effectiveness and guarantee high-quality childcare based on defined standards and legal frameworks.
- Foster strong local engagement by promoting the association within Botswana.
- Develop and manage the organization's image internally and externally, by building a strong brand.
- Ensure long-term growth and stability through effective resource management, capacity building, and strategic guidance for marketing, branding, and communication initiatives.
Key performance areas and responsibilities:
Strategic Direction and Governance
- Establish, guide, direct and oversee the strategic plan 2023 -27, under the leadership of the Board, to advance the mission and objectives of SOS CV Botswana as well as to promote its sustainability and growth in line with global strategic plan.
- Ensure implementation of strategies and formulation of policies by delegating appropriate authority levels to key managers, and ensure effective monitoring and reporting of progress, aligned to strategic plans.
- Drive operational excellence by ensuring appropriate best practices, processes and technologies are in place.
- Drive adherence to corporate governance principles and statutes to always ensure compliance and ensure remedial action is taken where necessary.
- Review strategy regularly and put forward recommendations to the Board for adjustments thereto by proactively assessing future needs and performing sustainability forecasts of SOS CV Botswana’s development.
- Oversee the implementation of effective monitoring and auditing systems aligned to agreed standards.
- Follow up on reports relating to the development and/or deviation from the expected route by any program / project within SOS CV Botswana.
- Oversee the establishment of corrective measures / improvement plans where standards are not met.
- Lead by example in organizational ethics and morals, and take strong action against non-adherence to values, ethics and codes.
- Present plans, reports and proposals at Board meetings and/or Board subcommittees and ensure that Board decisions/resolutions are translated into clear actions.
Sustainability and Fund Development
- Oversee the National Office (NO) planning and budgeting processes.
- Oversee the development and implementation of realistic and effective fund development plans and strategies. Evaluate financial trends and ratios and manage the organization’s expenditure to ensure effective cost control.
- Review management and financial reporting and statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives under the direction of the Board and assist to revise objectives and plans in accordance with current conditions when necessary.
Marketing and Brand Awareness
- Provide strategic and tactical guidance as regards marketing, branding and communication strategies and initiatives.
- Maintain close contact with internal and external marketing and related stakeholders to build strategic relationships, solicit continual feedback on current initiatives, and understand market needs and perceptions.
Innovation, Transformation and Process Optimisation
- Evaluate the need for change and transformation initiatives in anticipation of industry, national and international priorities.
- Initiate, lead, authorize and drive initiatives aimed at optimizing programs and operations, improving service delivery and reducing costs within SOS Children’s Villages Botswana.
Strategic Relationship Management
- Establish and manage relevant strategic partnerships and relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, focused on the rights of children without parental care or at risk of losing their parental care, to ensure enduring business associations to assist in achieving strategic objectives.
- Establish sound relationships with relevant government authorities and seek government recognition and support for SOS programmes.
- Drive and guide the pursuit of advocacy objectives with NGO Child rights forums and in partnership with other NGOs in conjunction with the Children’s Rights and Advocacy Officer.
- Oversee cross-national advocacy efforts on children’s issues of national relevance.
- Represent SOS Children’s Villages Botswana in engagements with key stake holders, involving as appropriate, other members of the management team.
People Management and Development
- Recruit, integrate, develop and manage a high-performing team by setting goals, monitoring progress, and evaluating performance.
- Create a stable and positive work environment by fostering good work ethics, managing conflict, and ensuring employees live the company's values.
- Oversee workforce planning to meet team objectives by considering internal and external factors. This includes ensuring the organisation is adequately staffed.
International Federation – GSC coordination
- Ensure clear and timely communication between SOS CV Botswana and the General Secretariat, adhering to reporting requirements and maintaining efficient communication channels. This includes reports on strategic plans, programme development, finances, audits, and participant data.
- Coordinate feedback from colleagues during international policy development and accommodate research programmes on key topics.
- Participate in regional meetings and forums.
- Support regional and international initiatives to promote exchange of experiences, information, and resources.
Position Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other business-related field such as marketing, management, commerce and related disciplines.
- Preferably a master’s degree in business administration and/or Education and/or Social Sciences
- A certification in Strategy Management,risk management, project Management or change management will be an added advantage
- A Valid driver’s license.
Experience
- We are looking for candidates with a minimum of ten years’ experience of which at least four are at Executive level leadership/ management.
- Experience of working with and advising at an Executive and Board level. Partly in non-profit sector, preferably in the field of childcare or similar.
- Extensive experience in business development
Skills
- Good understanding of child rights, development programmes, and advocacy strategies. (combines knowledge of policies, programmes, education, and advocacy).
- Fluent in English, with intercultural sensitivity to build bridges and thrive in diverse environments.
- Skilled in grant writing, donor stewardship, and public sector funding, demonstrating strong financial acumen (combines fundraising, budgeting, and financial principles).
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills to represent the organization and build strong teams. Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Personal Attributes
- Resilient Leader: Perseveres through challenges, learns from setbacks.
- Collaborative Developer: Builds strong teams by fostering learning, providing mentorship, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
- Effective Communicator: Builds trust through honesty and open communication, keeping everyone informed and aligned.
- Adaptable Learner: Actively seeks knowledge, embraces change, and ensures the organization stays informed and learns from experience.
We offer
The opportunity to work in one of the largest International Non-Profit Organizations in social development, humanitarian action in Child and Youth Care, in a position with a varied scope of tasks and responsibilities directly impacting on the development of the organisation in achieving its strategic goals.
To contribute to our meaningful mission: “We build families for children in need, we help them shape their own futures and we share in the development of their communities.
How to Apply
If you believe you are the right candidate for this position, please send us a cover letter explaining your alignment and motivation with the position’s profile, your detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and photocopies of university academic certificates.
Applications should be submitted electronically . Applications open on June 11th, 2025. and will close on 30th June 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
“SOS Children’s Villages International holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conducts of sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered. Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring decisions will give due emphasize to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, police clearance reference check processes”.
